Mattress cover for alternating air pads

ABSTRACT

Mattress covers for alternating air pads are described herein. In one embodiment, an alternating air mattress system can include an alternating air pad, including a plurality of transverse tubes each defining an input gap and an output gap, where each tube is in fluidic communication with an adjacent transverse tube via the input gap or the output gap of the tube, and a corresponding output gap or input gap of the adjacent tube, a first foam pad, and a mattress cover, including a bottom layer having a first edge, an intermediate layer having a second edge that is removably coupled to the first edge, and an upper layer having a second edge that is removably coupled to the first edge, wherein the coupled first and second edges define a cavity for positioning the first foam pad above the alternating air pad.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under Title 35, United States Code,Section 119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/981,469titled “Mattress Cover for Alternating Air Pads,” filed Feb. 25, 2020,which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to a mattress cover, and morespecifically to a mattress cover for an alternating air pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, many users of alternating pressure air mattressescomplain that the mattresses are uncomfortable in the static mode andeven more so when in the alternating mode. The air cells are made out ofa polyurethane, nylon, and/or PVC material and the rigidness of thematerial coupled with the movement of the bladders causes discomfortwhich is often not alleviated by the adjustment of the pump's airflow.The discomfort caused by the alternating cycle can often cause the enduser to turn off the system, which can disrupt therapy and can causeadditional skin damage. Inserting a foam pocket underneath the top covercan create a more comfortable and tolerable surface so that the end userwill not feel the need to turn off the alternating cycle.

SUMMARY

Mattress covers for alternating air pad systems are described herein. Inone aspect, an alternating air mattress system can include analternating air pad, including a plurality of transverse tubes eachdefining an input gap and an output gap, where each tube is in fluidiccommunication with an adjacent transverse tube via the input gap or theoutput gap of the tube, and a corresponding output gap or input gap ofthe adjacent tube, a first foam pad, and a mattress cover, including abottom layer having a first edge, an intermediate layer having a secondedge that is removably coupled to the first edge, and an upper layerhaving a second edge that is removably coupled to the first edge,wherein the coupled first and second edges define a cavity forpositioning the first foam pad above the alternating air pad.

This aspect can have a variety of embodiments. In some cases, themattress cover can further include an intermediary layer having a thirdedge that is removably coupled to the second edge, wherein the coupledsecond and third edges define a bottom cavity for positioning thealternating air mattress below the first foam pad.

In some cases, each transverse tube of the plurality of transverse tubesare coupled to at least one adjacent transverse tube of the plurality oftransverse tubes. Additionally, the coupling of the transverse tubes caninclude stitching, adhesive, a set of valves, a set of joints, or acombination thereof.

In some cases, the alternating air pad can further include an entry tubedefining an entry gap and an output gap, where the entry tube is influidic communication with a transverse tube of the plurality oftransverse tubes via the output gap of the entry tube and acorresponding input gap of the transverse tube, and where the entry tubeis configured to receive fluid from a fluid source via the entry gap. Insome cases, the first foam pad can include polyurethane, latex, cotton,wool, polyester fiber quilting, or a combination thereof.

In some cases, the mattress cover can further include another upperlayer having a fourth edge that is removably coupled to the second edge,where the coupled second and fourth edges define another cavity forpositioning a second foam pad above the first foam pad. Additionally,the second foam pad can include a different length, width, thickness,composition, or a combination thereof, than the first foam pad.

In some cases, the mattress cover can further include at least onefabric divider disposed transversally within the cavity, where the atleast one fabric divider further defines the cavity into a first uppercavity for positioning the first foam pad above the alternating air pad,and at least a second upper cavity for positioning a second foam padabove the alternating air pad. In some cases, the mattress cover canfurther include nylon, polyester, cotton, wool, linen, twill, flannel,thermoplastic polyurethane, plastic, rubber, elastic, polyester fiberquilting, or a combination thereof.

In another aspect, an alternating air bed can include an air mattressbed, including a bed frame configured to support an alternating airmattress system, a fluid source configured to couple to an alternatingair pad, and at least one processor configured to control a volume offluid from the volume source to the alternating air pad.

In another aspect, an alternating air mattress system can include analternating air pad, including a plurality of transverse tubes eachdefining an input gap and an output gap, where each tube is in fluidiccommunication with an adjacent transverse tube via the input gap or theoutput gap of the tube, and a corresponding output gap or input gap ofthe adjacent tube, and a mattress cover, including a bottom layer havinga first edge, an intermediate layer having a second edge that isremovably coupled to the first edge, and an upper layer having a thirdedge that is removably coupled to the second edge, where the coupledfirst and second edges define a bottom cavity for positioning thealternating air pad, and where the coupled second and third edges definea top cavity above the alternating air pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of thepresent invention, reference is made to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figureswherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughoutthe several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a mattress cover for an alternating air pad systemaccording to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a bottom cover and a mattress cover for analternating aid pad system according to embodiments of the claimedinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a clasp fastener for a mattress cover according to anembodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second fabric layer in contact with an alternatingair pad according to an embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom cover and a mattress cover for analternating aid pad system according to an embodiment of the claimedinvention.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a foam pad inserted into a mattress coveraccording to embodiments of the claimed invention.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate mattress covers for an alternating air padaccording to embodiments of the claimed invention.

DEFINITIONS

The instant invention is most clearly understood with reference to thefollowing definitions.

As used herein, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, theterm “about” is understood as within a range of normal tolerance in theart, for example within 2 standard deviations of the mean. “About” canbe understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%,0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from 5context, all numerical values provided herein are modified by the termabout.

As used in the specification and claims, the terms “comprises,”“comprising, ” “containing,” “having,” and the like can have the meaningascribed to them in U.S. patent law and can mean “includes,”“including,” and the like.

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, the term “or,” asused herein, is understood to be inclusive.

Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of thevalues within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understoodto include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from thegroup consisting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34,35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 (aswell as fractions thereof unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Mattress Cover

Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to a mattress coverfor an alternating air pad. The mattress cover can include a pocketunderneath the top surface of the mattress cover, which can retain afoam pad within. The foam pad can in some cases provide additionalcomfort to a user of the alternating air pad, which can facilitate thetherapy provided by the alternating air pad. In some cases, the mattresscover can include dividers within the pocket to compartmentalizedifferent foam pads within the pocket. Further, the mattress cover canattach to a bottom cover supporting the air mattress that, whenconnected, enclose the alternating air pad and the foam pad between themattress cover and bottom cover. In other cases, the mattress cover canbe secured to the alternating air pad itself, or to the bed supportingthe alternating air pad system.

The inclusion of the pockets allows the end user to customize the foamdensity, thickness and their placement (shoulder, mid-section and heel)depending upon their discomfort and its location.

Historically, users have placed foam pads on top of the alternating airmattress to alleviate discomfort. However, this foam pad can easilybecome contaminated and unusable by being soiled by urine, blood or anyother liquids. The placement of the foam pocket on the underside of thetop cover eliminates the need to place foam on top of the mattress andprotects the foam pad by the top cover.

Cover Pocket

The mattress cover can include a pocket between fabric layers. Themattress cover can include at least two layers of fabric that areconnectable on edges. For example, FIG. 1 provides a mattress cover 105according to an embodiment of the claimed invention. The mattress cover105 can include a first layer of fabric 110 and a second layer of fabric115. The first and second layers can be attached to one another throughedges of the first and second layers, respectively. For example, thefirst and second layers can be attached at edge 120, along the length ofthe mattress cover 105.

The pocket can be formed by the attached first and second fabric layers.For example, when attached to one another, the first and second fabriclayers can define a cavity that comprises the pocket. The first andsecond fabric layers can be dimensioned such that a foam pad can bepositioned within the pocket. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a foam pad 125inserted between the first fabric layer 110 and the second fabric layer115. While FIG. 1 illustrates that the height of the foam pad 1125 isapproximately 2 inches, one skilled in the art will understand that theinsertable foam pad can vary in dimensions. An example of a secondfabric layer that rests on top of an alternating air pad is illustratedin FIG. 5. Dividers

The mattress cover can also include a set of dividers positioned in thepocket. These dividers can create compartmentalized spaces within thepocket, such that multiple foam pads can be positioned within themattress cover. In some cases, a divider can span vertically through thepocket, such that the edges of the divider attach to the first fabriclayer and the second fabric layer. These vertical dividers can dividethe pocket into different sections, such as for corresponding todifferent parts of a user's body. As such, the mattress cover can securedifferent pads within the vertically divided compartments according toas user's requirements for different parts of the user's body (e.g.,legs, torso, head, etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, the mattress cover can include a set ofhorizontal dividers within the pocket. The horizontal dividers can spantransversally through the length of the mattress cover, such that theedges of the divider attach to edges of the first fabric and/or thesecond fabric layer. In some cases, a horizontal divider can be a thirdfabric layer between the first and second fabric layers. Thesehorizontal dividers can divide the pocket into different “layers,” suchthat a multiple foam pads can be layered on top of one another (e.g.,with a horizontal divider positioned between the foam pads). A user canthus mix-and-match different foam pads to be positioned within themattress cover.

Vertical dividers are illustrated in FIG. 9, and horizontal dividers areillustrated in FIG. 10. The dotted lines in these FIGS, represent theedges of a divider coupled to a fabric surface of the mattress cover.

Mattress Cover Fabric

The mattress cover can be composed of a variety of different fabrics.For example, the mattress cover can be composed of nylon, polyester,cotton, wool, linen, twill, flannel, thermoplastic polyurethane,polypropylene, plastic, rubber, elastic, polyester fiber quilting, andthe like. While the mattress cover can be composed of any of thematerial listed above, or a combination of the listed material, oneskilled in the art will appreciate that the mattress cover can becomposed of a variety of materials, and the composition of the mattresscover described herein is not limited to the listed materials.

Fabric Fasteners

The mattress cover can include a variety of fasteners for attaching thefabric layers to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the mattresscover includes a clasp fastener (e.g., a zipper) system running alongthe edge of the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer. Theclasp fastener rows of each fabric layer can be interlocked, therebyattaching the first fabric layer to the second fabric layer, whichsubsequently forms the pocket between the two layers. An example of aclasp fastener coupled to the mattress cover is illustrated in FIG. 4.

Other forms of fasteners can be used with the mattress ewer as well. Forexample, tap fasteners, hook and clasp fasteners, hook and loopfasteners, buckles and straps, grommets and rods, and the like, can beused to connect the edge of the first fabric layer to the edge of thesecond fabric layer. One portion of the fastener (e.g., a set of hooks)can be coupled or fixed to one of the fabric layers, while anotherportion of the fastener (e.g., a set of latches) can be coupled to theedge of the other fabric layer.

Further, in some cases the fasteners can span the entire edge of thefabric layers, such that the entire perimeter of a fabric layer can beattached to the other fabric layer. Alternatively, fasteners can spanonly a portion of the perimeter of a fabric layer, such that some of afabric layer remains unattached (e.g., a side of the mattress cover canremain “open”).

In some cases, a fabric layer can include multiple set of fasteners. Forexample, in cases where a mattress cover includes three or more fabriclayers (e.g., including a horizontal divider), each fabric layer caninclude fasteners for attaching to adjacent fabric layers. In the caseof a middle fabric layer, the middle layer can include fasteners forattaching to a top adjacent layer, and fasteners for attaching to abottom adjacent layer.

In some cases, the mattress cover can include a set of fasteners tocoupling the mattress cover to other portions of the system. Forexample, the mattress cover can include a set of fasteners for couplingthe mattress cover to a bottom cover, which can be positioned below thealternating air pad In some cases, the mattress cover can include a setof fasteners for coupling the mattress cover to a bed frame.Additionally or alternatively, the alternating air pad itself caninclude a set of fasteners for coupling the alternating air pad to themattress cover (e.g., in lieu of a bottom cover). For example, theperimeter of the bottom fabric layer of the mattress cover can include aline of elastic material, which can allow for the bottom fabric layer toenvelop the height of the alternating air pad, thereby securing themattress cover to the alternating air pad. An example of the bottomfabric layer having an elastic band is illustrated in FIG. 11, where thedashed line represents the elastic edge of the bottom fabric layer,which can be pulled over an alternating air pad.

Foam Pad

As mentioned, a foam pad can be inserted into the defined pocket of themattress cover. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a foam pad 125 for insertioninto the mattress cover 105. In this embodiment, the foam pad 125 spansthe entire length and height of the mattress cover 105. However, thefoam pad can vary in dimensions, such that the foam pad can be insertedinto a portion of the mattress cover. In some cases, the foam pad can bedimensioned to be insertable into a divided section of the mattresscover, for example divided by horizontal or vertical dividers discussedabove. In some cases a foam pad can be inserted in some portions of thetop cover, while other portions remain void of a foam pad. One skilledin the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the foam pad can varyaccording to the intended purpose of the air pad (e.g., head support,torso support, thin support, dense support, and the like).

Further, multiple foam pads can be used in the mattress cover. Foam padsof varying dimensions and compositions can be inserted into the mattresscover. In some cases, foam pads of differing dimensions and/orcompositions can be used in conjunction with one another, for example inembodiments of the mattress cover that include dividers.

The foam pad can be composed of a variety of materials. For example, thefoam pad can be composed of polyurethane, latex, cotton, wool, densifiedfiber, and the like. However, one skilled in the art will appreciatethat the foam pad can be composed of a variety of materials not listedin the description. Example of a foam pad inserted within the mattresscover are illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Alternating Air Pad

The mattress cover can in some cases be dimensioned to be placed on topof an alternating air pad. The alternating air pad can include sectionswith varying inflation times. For example, FIG. 1 depicts an alternatingair pad 130. The alternating air pad 130 include a set of air tubes thatare configured to receive air from an air inlet. The air tubes can beconnected to other air tubes (e.g., in series, in parallel, etc.) suchthat air flows through the connected air tubes.

The air tubes can be connected to one another via stitching, T joints,glue, and/or valves. Further, air mattress can be configured to flow airthrough a set of air tubes, while another set of air tubes fail toreceive any airflow. Thus, a set of air tubes can be inflated at any onegiven time, while another set can be inflated at some other time.

As stated above, the mattress cover can be dimensioned to lay on top ofan alternating air pad. For example, the second fabric layer 115 of FIG.1 can be in contact with the alternating air pad. Thus, when a foam padis inserted into the mattress cover, the foam pad rests on top of thealternating air pad. Further, the fasteners on the first and secondfabric layers can, when coupled, secure the foam pad within the pocket.

Bottom Cover

In some cases, a bottom cover can be positioned underneath thealternating air pad that secures to the mattress pad above thealternating air pad. The bottom cover can include a set of fasteners(e.g., along the perimeter) that can couple to a set of fasteners alongof the second layer of fabric. Thus, when these fasteners are fastened,the bottom cover can be coupled to the second fabric layer, andtherefore the mattress cover, thereby securing the alternating air padand foam pad within the mattress cover and bottom cover. Examples of abottom cover and the mattress cover are illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and6.

In some cases, the alternating air pad can be positioned on or in abottom cover, such as bottom cover 135 of FIG. 1. The bottom cover 135can include a support frame and an air tube support structure.Additionally, the bottom cover 135 can include a gas input for flowinggas into a connected air pad. The gas input can be controlled by amicroprocessor, which can determine when to input gas (e.g., via a setof controllable valves). The alternating air pad can be dimensioned tobe positioned on top of the support structure of the bottom cover 135.Further, while dimensions are illustrated in FIG. 1 of the bottom cover135, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the dimensions of thebottom cover can vary, and are not limited to those specified in theFIGS.

Bed Frame

The mattress covers described herein can be used with a variety ofalternating air pads, as well as a variety of bed systems for supportingalternating air pads. Example of bed systems can include, but are notlimited to, hospital beds, nursing care beds, outpatient beds, homehealth care beds, assisted living facility beds, and the like.

EQUIVALENTS

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been describedusing specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposesonly, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications, andother references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated hereinin their entireties by reference.

1. An alternating air mattress system, comprising: an alternating airpad, comprising: a plurality of transverse tubes each defining an inputgap and an output gap, wherein each tube is in fluidic communicationwith an adjacent transverse tube via the input gap or the output gap ofthe tube, and a corresponding output gap or input gap of the adjacenttube; a first foam pad; and a mattress cover, comprising: a bottom layerhaving a first edge; an intermediate layer having a second edge that isremovably coupled to the first edge; and an upper layer having a secondedge that is removably coupled to the first edge, wherein the coupledfirst and second edges define a cavity for positioning the first foampad above the alternating air pad.
 2. The alternating air mattresssystem of claim 1, wherein the mattress cover further comprises: anintermediary layer having a third edge that is removably coupled to thesecond edge, wherein the coupled second and third edges define a bottomcavity for positioning the alternating air mattress below the first foampad.
 3. The alternating air mattress system of claim 1, wherein eachtransverse tube of the plurality of transverse tubes are coupled to atleast one adjacent transverse tube of the plurality of transverse tubes.4. The alternating air mattress of claim 3, wherein the coupling of thetransverse tubes comprises stitching, adhesive, a set of valves, a setof joints, or a combination thereof.
 5. The alternating air mattresssystem of claim 1, wherein the alternating air pad further comprises anentry tube defining an entry gap and an output gap, wherein the entrytube is in fluidic communication with a transverse tube of the pluralityof transverse tubes via the output gap of the entry tube and acorresponding input gap of the transverse tube, and wherein the entrytube is configured to receive fluid from a fluid source via the entrygap.
 6. The alternating air mattress system of claim 1, wherein thefirst foam pad comprises polyurethane, latex, cotton, wool, densifiedfiber, or a combination thereof.
 7. The alternating air mattress systemof claim 1, wherein the mattress cover further comprises another upperlayer having a fourth edge that is removably coupled to the second edge,wherein the coupled second and fourth edges define another cavity forpositioning a second foam pad above the first foam pad.
 8. Thealternating air mattress system of claim 7, wherein the second foam padcomprises a different length, width, thickness, composition, or acombination thereof, than the first foam pad.
 9. The alternating airmattress system of claim 1, wherein the mattress c over furthercomprises at least one fabric divider disposed transversally within thecavity, wherein the at least one fabric divider further defines thecavity into a first upper cavity for positioning the first foam padabove the alternating air pad, and at least a second upper cavity forpositioning a second foam pad above the alternating air pad.
 10. Thealternating air mattress system of claim 1, wherein the mattress coverfurther comprises nylon, polyester, cotton, wool, linen, twill, flannel,thermoplastic polyurethane, plastic, rubber, elastic, polyester fiberquilting, or a combination thereof
 11. An alternating air bed,comprising: an air mattress bed, comprising: a bed frame configured tosupport the alternating air mattress system of claim 1; a fluid sourceconfigured to couple to the alternating air pad; and at least oneprocessor configured to control a volume of fluid from the volume sourceto the alternating air pad.
 12. An alternating air mattress system,comprising: an alternating air pad, comprising: a plurality oftransverse tubes each defining an input gap and an output gap, whereineach tube is in fluidic communication with an adjacent transverse tubevia the input gap or the output gap of the tube, and a correspondingoutput gap or input gap of the adjacent tube; and a mattress cover,comprising: a bottom layer having a first edge; an intermediate layerhaving a second edge that is removably coupled to the first edge; and anupper layer having a third edge that is removably coupled to the secondedge, wherein the coupled first and second edges define a bottom cavityfor positioning the alternating air pad, and wherein the coupled secondand third edges define a top cavity above the alternating air pad.